President Donald Trump nominates Todd Blanche to serve permanently as U.S. attorney general, after Blanche has been acting in the role since Pam Bondi left the administration. Multiple outlets report that Trump previously indicated he would elevate Blanche and has now sent the nomination forward formally. Blanche, described across sources as a former personal lawyer and a longtime ally of Trump, has served as the Justice Department’s top official in an acting capacity following Bondi’s departure and has also been identified as having been No. 2 at the DOJ before stepping in.

Several sources note that Blanche’s nomination is expected to face scrutiny in the Senate, with at least some members—including some Republicans—raising concerns, though the timing and outcome are not confirmed. The New York Times and other outlets characterize the confirmation as uncertain, citing the likelihood of a contentious process. Bloomberg and other reports also frame the nomination as setting up an “uphill” Senate fight.

If confirmed, Blanche would lead the DOJ on a permanent basis; until the Senate acts, he continues to serve as acting attorney general.